Switzerland is full of stunning mountain landscapes, and the Bernese Oberland is one of the most impressive. The area around Interlaken is famous for picturesque valleys, cog railways and mountain scapes. It is also home of Jungfraujoch – The Top of Europe, an incredible observatory and tourist complex at 3,454 metres (11,332 feet) above sea level! Taking the Eiger Express Cable Car to the Top of Europe (or back down from it, or both) is an amazing way to experience this part of the world.
Visiting Jungfraujoch
How to get to there
There are many ways to get up to Jungfraujoch, and transport options can be combined. We recommend taking the cog railway one direction (the Lauterbrunnen side) and the Eiger Express the other (Grindelwald) for instance.
The easiest way to do things is to leave from Interlaken, as there is plenty of parking at or near the train station. The train offers you fantastic views and large viewing windows to take lots of pictures. We recommend the cog railway up via Lauterbrunnen and the Eiger Express gondola via Grindelwald back down.
NOTE: This trip is one of the most expensive train journeys, for distance traveled, in the world! But we think it is definitely worth it (but only on a sunny day – if it’s bad weather you won’t get the amazing views).
The Cog Railway
A cog railway looks like a normal railway line, but has an extra element – a cog track running up the centre. The train cog fits into this cog track, offering extra traction on this very steep mountain track. The cog part of the track runs from Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald up either side of Männlichen mountain, to Kleine Scheidegg.
From Kleine Scheidegg, you then take the Jungfrau Railway up to the Top of Europe.
The Top of Europe
Viewing Platform & Aletsch Glacier
It was definitely a slippery climb to the top but the views were spectacular. The ropes provide assistance but there were still many people sliding down. I would recommend good walking shoes with the best grip possible and make sure to use the ropes provided. It was 2 degrees Celsius during our visit. At this elevation you are guaranteed snow and ice 365 days a year. It was very windy while we were there so we grabbed a couple of photos as quickly as possible and then headed back indoors.
Ice Caves
We meandered through the ice caves on our way to Aletsch Glacier. I know it goes without saying but it was literally freezing inside the caves. The floors were very slippery which many of the children found entertaining but there were hand rails for assistance. The ice sculptures were so creative – it always makes me wonder how they can be so precise when making them!
Shops & Restaurants
Inside (where it is warm and cozy) there are 3 dining options – Aletsch (self service restaurant), Crystal (a la carte restaurant) and Pikantus Lounge. These three provide a variety of options for everyone who visits the Top of Europe.
On the day of our visit there was no availability at Crystal, so planning ahead for dining there would be recommended.
There is also a Lindt chocolate shop in this area – the highest one in the world. And a gift shop where you can grab some souvenirs to take back home.
Taking the Eiger Express Cable Car up or down…
Compared to the cog railway, which slowly climbs up the mountain, the Eiger Express takes only 15 minutes to get from the Top of the World’s Eigergletscher station down to the Grindelwald terminus (a few miles below the main Grindelwald train station).
The views are incredible, and even though each car holds 24 people, there are windows all round from which to enjoy the scenery.
Visiting the Top of Europe
While it might be one of the more expensive excursions, nothing is cheap in Switzerland! And the views, the other-worldly landscapes, the alpine villages and meadows, and being able to see a glacier up close are all great reasons to take the Eiger Express to the Top of Europe. Whether you go up by gondola and down by cog railway (or vice versa), make sure you see both sides of the mountain (both Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald).
In the height of summer, the routes get very busy, so be prepared. The advantage being the good weather and more services open (downhill go-karts, helicopter rides etc). We visited in early May, and were blessed with great weather, but it was touch and go whether it would be in our favor.
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